Every April 8th, food lovers across the country celebrate National Empanada Day, a flavorful tribute to one of the world’s most beloved handheld meals. Often described as the “economical compact car of the fast food universe,” the empanada is the perfect fusion of convenience and comfort food—portable, versatile, and bursting with bold, savory fillings. While empanadas have roots across Latin America, Bergen County, New Jersey, is gaining national attention as a hotspot for some of the best empanadas in the Garden State.
A recently released roundup spotlighted standout empanada vendors from around the region—ranging from restaurants to food trucks and bakeries—and Bergen County earned multiple mentions. This North Jersey enclave is proving that when it comes to empanadas, the local culinary scene has serious flavor and authenticity.
Empanada Mania – Bergenfield
Topping the list is Empanada Mania, a staple in Bergenfield that has been serving up inventive empanadas with big, bold flavors for over a decade. Known for pushing the boundaries of traditional fillings, this fast-casual spot doesn’t shy away from creativity. While you’ll find classics like beef, chicken, and cheese, Empanada Mania is perhaps best known for its signature offerings like buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, and even dessert empanadas like Nutella banana.
What sets them apart is their commitment to keeping the empanadas fresh, flavorful, and fun. Their rotating specials keep loyal customers coming back and intrigue first-time visitors looking to explore something beyond the usual fare. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing a box to go, Empanada Mania lives up to its name—and then some.
📍 Location: 62 S Washington Ave, Bergenfield, NJ
🌐 empanadamania.com
Noches de Colombia – Fairview
If you’re craving Colombian-style empanadas with a side of atmosphere, Noches de Colombia in Fairview offers a hearty, traditional experience. Their empanadas are celebrated for being robust, generously filled, and delightfully crunchy on the outside—a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
But what truly elevates these empanadas is the house-made Colombian hot sauce, a zesty, pepper-forward concoction that brings just the right amount of heat to every bite. Pair that with a cup of café con leche or a passion fruit juice, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that transports you straight to Bogotá.
While Noches de Colombia has several locations throughout New Jersey, the Fairview spot stands out for its authenticity, family-friendly vibe, and consistently good food.
📍 Location: 175 Broad Ave, Fairview, NJ
🌐 nochesdecolombia.com
The Original Empanada Factory – Lyndhurst
Nestled in Lyndhurst, The Original Empanada Factory earns praise for their elevated take on traditional empanadas. Their seasoned chicken empanada in particular was singled out for going above and beyond the basics, delivering layers of flavor with every bite. Their spice blend gives the filling a warm, savory complexity that stands out from more generic versions.
This spot combines fast-casual ease with gourmet ambition. The menu includes a wide range of Latin American staples, but the empanadas are the star. From spicy chorizo to sweet plantain and cheese, each variety is hand-prepared and made to order.
For those hosting parties or planning catered events, the Empanada Factory also offers family-sized platters and party boxes, making it a go-to for both weeknight cravings and special occasions.
📍 Location: 512 Ridge Rd, Lyndhurst, NJ
🌐 empanadafactory.com
Why Bergen County is Becoming New Jersey’s Empanada Epicenter
Bergen County’s empanada scene reflects the region’s rich multicultural fabric. With strong Latin American communities and a growing appetite for authentic, home-style cooking, it’s no surprise that this part of New Jersey has emerged as a hub for standout empanadas. Each shop brings its own flair to the table—some with traditional recipes passed down through generations, others with modern fusion twists that appeal to a wide range of palates.
Whether you’re looking for something classic and comforting or adventurous and new, the empanadas across Bergen County offer something for everyone. And with National Empanada Day serving as a reminder of how universally loved these pockets of flavor are, now is the perfect time to explore them.
Plan Your Empanada Crawl in Bergen County
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🥟 Start in Bergenfield at Empanada Mania for creative and unexpected flavors.
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🌶 Head to Fairview for hearty Colombian-style empanadas at Noches de Colombia.
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🍗 Wrap up in Lyndhurst with richly seasoned classics at The Original Empanada Factory.
So whether you’re a devoted foodie, a local looking to branch out, or just someone who loves handheld comfort food, Bergen County’s empanada scene is ready to impress—one delicious bite at a time.
